UAE students return to their classrooms after a month-long school break, marking the start of a new term as they reconnect with friends, adjust to routines, and prepare for lessons, activities, and academic goals ahead.
UAE students head back to classrooms after a month-long break, reconnecting with friends.
As dawn broke over Dubai, the city once again saw its familiar fleet of bright yellow school buses weaving through neighbourhood streets, signalling the conclusion of the winter holidays and the beginning of a fresh academic term for students across the emirate. After nearly a month away from classrooms, school life officially resumed for a large segment of the student population.
Across the UAE, more than one million students returned to their schools today, bringing renewed energy to campuses that had been quiet during the break. Outside many school zones, traffic marshals were stationed early in the morning, helping manage the flow of vehicles and ensuring the safety of students as parents dropped off their children. The usually busy school routes were particularly active, with cars, buses, and pedestrians moving in carefully coordinated rhythms.
Inside school premises, the atmosphere was a blend of excitement and mild grogginess. Groups of students could be seen greeting each other with wide smiles, quick hugs, and bursts of laughter after weeks apart. Some paused to take photos together, capturing the moment of being reunited, while others walked quietly to their classrooms, still easing into the early start after the holiday season. Despite the sleepy expressions on a few faces, the overall mood was upbeat and cheerful.
Corridors and playgrounds were filled with animated conversations as students exchanged stories from their winter break. Many spoke about travelling with family, while others reminisced about quieter celebrations at home, including Christmas gatherings and New Year festivities. For a large number of students, however, the highlight of returning to school had little to do with academics — it was simply the joy of being back with friends and sharing everyday moments once again.
Teachers also played a key role in helping students transition smoothly back into school life. Classrooms were welcoming, with educators taking time to check in with their students, discuss holiday experiences, and gently reintroduce routines. This supportive environment helped ease the shift from relaxed holiday schedules to structured school days.
Although waking up early proved to be a challenge for some after weeks of later mornings, many students said the lively atmosphere on campus made it easier to adjust. Being surrounded by classmates, participating in discussions, and reconnecting with teachers helped restore a sense of normalcy. Parents, too, expressed relief at the return of regular schedules, noting that children often thrive with routine.
The winter break had offered students a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. As schools reopen, settling back into daily routines requires a bit of extra effort, but the enthusiasm seen on campuses suggests that students are ready to embrace the new term. With fresh goals, renewed friendships, and classrooms buzzing once more, the school year has resumed with a sense of optimism and momentum across the UAE.
Early Mornings and Mixed Emotions Mark Students’ Return to School
As schools across the UAE reopened after the winter break, students of all ages shared a range of emotions — from excitement and curiosity to nervousness and sheer reluctance to wake up before sunrise. While many were eager to reunite with friends and teachers, the return to early mornings proved to be one of the biggest challenges, especially after weeks of relaxed holiday routines.
For younger students, the joy of seeing familiar faces again often outweighed the discomfort of adjusting to a strict schedule. Year 5 student Aakash Nandi described his feelings as a mix of happiness and frustration. He said returning to school meant reconnecting with classmates and teachers he had missed during the break, as well as starting fresh lessons that sparked his interest. However, the excitement came with a downside — the early start to his day.
Aakash explained that waking up at 6am was particularly difficult during the winter season, when mornings are still dark and chilly. Leaving the house while it is cold outside made the experience even less appealing. He also shared that breakfast time felt rushed and unpleasant, as his mother insisted he eat early before heading to school. While he understood the importance of eating before a long school day, it was not something he enjoyed, especially so early in the morning.
Like many students his age, Aakash found it hard to transition from holiday mornings spent sleeping in to school days that required punctuality and structure. Still, he admitted that being back at school gave him something to look forward to, particularly spending time with friends and learning new topics in class.
Slightly older students echoed similar sentiments. Year 7 student Omar Al Khatib shared that while he felt tired as he boarded the school bus, he was also genuinely excited to see his friends again after weeks apart. He noted that the cold weather made it tempting to stay under the blankets for a little longer, but the anticipation of the school day ahead kept him motivated.
Omar said he was curious about what the new term would bring and what subjects they would be focusing on. Although the early mornings were tough, the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and resume school life made the effort worthwhile. For him, the excitement of learning something new helped balance out the sleepiness that came with the early start.
Across school campuses, such mixed emotions were common. Students arrived yawning, clutching backpacks and lunchboxes, some visibly struggling to stay alert, while others chatted energetically with friends. Teachers noted that the first few days back are always an adjustment period, particularly after a long break, and many made an effort to ease students back into routine.
For senior students, the return to school carried additional weight. Year 11 student Mehreen Arfaz described her feelings as a blend of nervousness and enthusiasm. With important board examinations approaching later in the academic year, she acknowledged that the pressure was very real. Returning to school signalled the start of a crucial phase in her education, one that would require focus, discipline, and consistent effort.
Mehreen said she was aware of the workload ahead and admitted feeling anxious about managing her studies effectively. She knew that the coming months would demand serious commitment, especially with exams that could shape her academic future. Despite these concerns, she also expressed excitement about being back among her peers and sharing experiences from the winter break.
During the holidays, Mehreen completed an internship, which she described as a valuable and eye-opening experience. Returning to school gave her the opportunity to talk about what she learned, the skills she developed, and the responsibilities she handled during that time. Reconnecting with friends and exchanging stories from the break was something she was particularly looking forward to, as it helped ease the stress associated with academic pressure.
Many older students shared similar views, acknowledging that restarting school routines after a long pause required mental and physical adjustment. Early mornings, homework schedules, and exam preparation replaced leisurely days and late nights. However, the structure of school life also brought a sense of purpose and direction.
Parents, too, observed these emotional shifts in their children. While some struggled to wake up on time, others were eager to pack their bags and head out the door. Several parents noted that although the first few mornings were challenging, their children gradually began to settle back into a routine. Many believed that the social environment of school played a significant role in helping students adjust more quickly.
Teachers across grade levels emphasized the importance of patience during the transition period. They acknowledged that students returning from a break need time to readjust, particularly during the winter months when mornings are darker and colder. Many schools focused on easing students back into academics rather than overwhelming them immediately with heavy coursework.
The return to school also highlighted the emotional importance of peer connections. Across age groups, students consistently mentioned seeing friends as the most positive aspect of coming back. Whether it was younger children excited to sit next to their classmates again or older students eager to share personal achievements and experiences, friendships were central to their motivation.
Despite the initial challenges, most students agreed that once they were at school, the day became easier. The lively atmosphere, familiar routines, and supportive presence of teachers helped replace reluctance with engagement. As classrooms filled with conversations, laughter, and learning once again, the sense of community became evident.
While the winter break had offered a much-needed pause, returning to school marked a fresh start. For some, it meant discovering new subjects; for others, it meant preparing for important exams and future goals. Though waking up early was undeniably difficult, students across the UAE demonstrated resilience and enthusiasm as they stepped back into their academic lives.
As the new term begins, schools are once again buzzing with energy, determination, and hope — a reminder that even after a slow, sleepy start, the rhythm of learning quickly finds its way back.
